1720 Mrs. Clements invented a method of preparing mustard flour or powder, which was known for a long time as Durham Mustard. Until then, mustard was made into balls with honey and or vinegar, and then mixed with more vinegar when needed. (Mustard Trivia & Facts -- Mustard Recipes)

1839 or 1842 Adolphus Busch was born in either 1839 or 1842 near Mainz, Germany. He founded Anheuser Busch in 1866 with his father-in-law, Eberhard Anheuser. Anheuser Busch is the world's largest brewer.(Anheuser-Busch Trivia and Facts)

1863 Clement Clarke Moore died (born July 15, 1779). Author of classic poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (now popularly known as "The Night Before Christmas"). (see also Dec 24, 1822)

1866 Edson P. Clark of Northhampton, Massachusetts received the first U.S. patent for an indelible pencil (U.S. patent No.56,180). This was the equivalent of the ball point pen of the time. It was non-erasable, and you didn’t need an ink well. Used for bills, prices, etc., you could also place a damp sheet of tissue paper over the writing to get a mirror image.

1871 Marcel Proust was born. Marcel Proust was a French writer. On January 1, 1909, he ate a piece of tea-soaked toast whose taste caused on a series of childhood memories. In his 7 volume allegorical novel 'Remembrance of Things Past,' the character Swann has a similar experience when he bites into a lemon cookie (a madelaine) which evokes a similar torrent of memories. This is one of the most ubiquitous (i.e., widely-quoted) allusions in literature.

1887 The Grand Hotel summer resort opened on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Rates are $3 to $5 per night.

1892 The first concrete paved street is built in Bellefountaine, Ohio. This makes food shopping much easier. They paved Paradise and put up a parking lot.

1913 The 'official' highest temperature ever recorded was 134° F. at Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley, California. There are some doubts about the accuracy of that reading. (see also Sept 13, 1922 and July 21, 2016)

1990 Alain Chapel died (born Dec 30, 1937). French Master Chef and restaurateur. His restaurant, Alain Chapel, was awarded its 3rd Michelin star in 1973 and maintained it throughout his life. Chapel is considered one of the originators of 'Nouvelle Cuisine.'

1999 Aaron 'Bunny' Lapin died (born Jan 5, 1914). Lapin was the inventor of whipped cream in an aerosol can (Reddi-Wip) in 1948.